I kind of struggled with this one. I overall enjoyed it but it just didn’t feel like it was going anywhere for me. I enjoyed the overall feeling of the book, but it felt like a lot of random conversations about…nothing?

Jimmy Hendrix Live in Lviv is a hugely comical, downright brilliant novel, telling the stories of various loveable and detestable characters living in Lviv, Ukraine. Taras is a physician, of sorts; he uses unconventional means to relieve men of kidney stones, and he is falling in love with the strange but beautiful Darka, working nights at the bureau de change, avoiding daylight and physical contact due to her bizarre maladies.

Alik teams up with an ex-KGB agent to investigate the unusual weather anomalies, as well as vicious seagulls, far from the ocean, circling the city and attacking unsuspecting residents. This book has a stellar cast of amusing characters, witty narration which will keep you wanting more, and is just political enough to contain an important message, but not in such a way that it overrides the genuine good nature of this novel. A worthy International Booker prize contender, I look forward to reading further work by this writer!

'Jimi Hendrix Live in Lviv' was longlisted for the 2023 International Booker Prize and at first, I remember thinking this seemed like a strange pick for the prize based purely on the title. However (and listen up Jimi Hendrix superfans) this book had quite literally nothing to do with Jimi Hendrix - he was probably briefly mentioned by name about four or five times throughout the duration of 400 pages which I am kind of glad about as I didn't think I'd enjoy some sort of Jimi Hendrix historical fiction/memoir mix.

Instead, we are given a magical realism novel that is very reminiscent of Bulgakov's writing who I loved. We follow two plot lines - Taras and Alik whose paths never actually overlap but they show us how they are experiencing a very strange environmental anomaly in different parts of Lviv. The characters themselves were all very likable, if not a little bizarre.

I would never have picked this book up on my own accord, had it not been nominated, but this was actually a good book with just all round good vibes.

Pleasantly surprised by this book because I absolutely loved it. This is a Bulgakov/China Mieville style tale about a cast of characters living in Lviv and trying to get to the bottom of an environmental anomaly which is making the city smell like sea and the birds go insane.

I have to say this is one of the funniest books I have ever read and at one point I was laughing so much I was wiping away years. It is such a hilarious little novel and I found myself to drawn into the characters and the world. It was brilliantly paced and structured with a mix of comedy and political criticism.

Had so much fun with this book and I honestly adored it. I don’t know if I can take it seriously enough for the International Booker but I will be backing it with a glass of vodka all the way if it wins.